Shoulders exercise

Push Press

How to do the Push Press with correct form — the muscles worked, equipment, and step-by-step technique from the Fitonist exercise library.

Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and grip the bar with your fingertips, elbows pointing forward. Rest the bar on the front of your shoulders. Drop down into a shallow squat, centring your weight under the barbell. Press up through your heels. Drive the bar directly above…
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Illustration showing the Push Press
Targets

Muscles worked

Shoulders muscle Shoulders Primary Triceps muscle Triceps Secondary Trapezius muscle Trapezius Secondary
Gear

Equipment

Barbell Barbell
Technique

How to do the Push Press

  1. 1 Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and grip the bar with your fingertips, elbows pointing forward.
  2. 2 Rest the bar on the front of your shoulders.
  3. 3 Drop down into a shallow squat, centring your weight under the barbell.
  4. 4 Press up through your heels.
  5. 5 Drive the bar directly above your head until your arms are straight.
  6. 6 Lower the bar down to your chest.
  7. 7 Maintain a neutral arch in your spine throughout the move.